Memories in the Making® Art & Wine Auction Coming Soon
If you’re looking for an opportunity to contribute to research and treatment for the millions of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease, while enjoying an evening of fine arts and good wine, do we have a suggestion for you! On Friday, March 13, the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada is hosting its 12th Annual Memories in the Making Art and Wine Auction in Mountain View.
The annual event serves as a major fundraiser for the area Alzheimer’s group. This year’s goal is $195,000.
Here are the details:
EVENT:
Memories in the Making Art & Wine Auction
DATE & TIME:
Friday, March 13, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
Computer History Museum
1401 Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, CA
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres reception
Music by live jazz ensemble
Silent auction of artwork, wines, vacation destinations, etc.
SPONSOR:
Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada
Memories in the Making ® is a form of art therapy for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, facilitated by Alzheimer’s Association chapters nationwide. Participants in Memories in the Making classes work with volunteer facilitators, who assist them in creating drawings and paintings. Although many, if not most, participants do not have a formal arts background, the works of art they produce are often vibrant, colorful, and expressive.
One such example is found in the work of Jean, a resident of Aegis Living of Pleasant Hill, whose painting is featured above. Jean, a native of Gary, Indiana, is the mother and grandmother of five. She is also an accomplished music composer, church organist, and artist. From sculpting to painting china, she has a broad range of artistic expression. Six of this artist’s watercolors will be available at auction, and the above painting was chosen as the cover painting for the program.
While individuals like Jean demonstrate the striking artistic outcomes of the Memories in the Making program, the program has been found to have many other benefits for participants, including: improved self-esteem, reduced social isolation, and increased focus and attention span. Its creative self-expression provides an outlet for unexpressed emotions. Families of participants also benefit, as the creative work provides both a form of communication with the loved one and a positive memento that focuses less on disability and more upon innate talent and creativity.
Research studies on the Memories in the Making program found that 83% of participants had improved attention, 80% expressed pleasure, and 78% verbalized positive self-esteem. A follow-up study found that participants demonstrated greater interest, pleasure, attention, and self-esteem during art therapy than did a control group.
For many individuals in the throes of dementia, art therapy offers a rare opportunity for them to communicate and connect with others without words. For family members, caregivers, and affected individuals, such moments of connection are invaluable.
For further information about the Memories in the Making program and upcoming auction, check out the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada website. You can register here for the auction.
